By Deborah Coker
Sen. Ned Nwoko (APC-Delta), has joined millions of Deltans in celebrating the journey of the state that had become a beacon of resilience, diversity, and progress in the Nigeria federation.
Nwoko representing Delta North Senatorial District described the anniversary as not only a moment of celebration but also of sober reflection on how far the state had come since its creation in 1991.
The lawmaker said this in his congratulatory message to the government and people of Delta on the occasion of the 34 years of the creation of the state made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Abuja.
According to him, 34 years of Delta is 34 years of collective struggle, triumphs, and aspirations.
“We have seen the state evolve through different phases, and today we celebrate not only our history but also the promise of our future.”
Nwoko who is the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Reparations and Repatriation, and had served as a member of the House of Representatives between 1999 and 2003, representing Aniocha/Oshimili Federal Constituency, recalled the early days of the state.
He noted that then, infrastructural challenges were enormous, but the resilience of the people remained unbroken.
He said that the present moment therefore called for renewed collaboration between the state government, federal legislators, and local stakeholders to address issues of infrastructure, security, education, and social welfare.
While celebrating the state’s strides in education, healthcare, infrastructure, and human capital development, the senator noted that more still needed to be done to uplift rural communities.
He urged the state government to pay attention to the grassroots, where the effects of government presence should be most felt.
“The soul of Delta lies not only in Asaba or Warri, but also in our villages, riverine communities, and agrarian settlements. It is there that the people most eagerly await the dividends of democracy,” he stressed.
The Chairman of the Senate Ad-Hoc committee on the theft of Crude Oil also emphasised the importance of youth and women empowerment in sustaining the legacy of Delta.
‘’The future of the state lies in the hands of its younger population, therefore the government at all levels must create the enabling opportunities for them to thrive,’’ he said.
Nwoko further called on leaders, residents, and stakeholders to rally behind the Gov. Oborevwori’s administration.
According to him, governance is a collective responsibility for maximum results.
“I wish all Deltans a joyous 34th anniversary and assure them of my continued efforts at the national level to ensure that the voice of the state remains strong and respected,” he said. (NAN)